My father, who himself was a very musical man, always thought that I could equally possess the same avid interest in music as he had. So when I showed a high level of curiosity in playing the organ, he gave me an ultimatum . . . .
If i would agree to take it seriously enough and have lessons, then he would agree to buy me an electronic organ
And that organ was a Welson Festival
To keep up my end of the bargain, I started to have lessons with a music teacher called Mrs Dolan, who like many teachers of her time was incredibly strict.
Those were the days when it was permissible to receive a slap on the wrist with a ruler for playing a wrong note! . . . . But never the less, she was a very good teacher !
One other benefit from learning to play the organ at that time with the help of Mrs Dolan, was to be able to actually teach my father to play the organ as well.
I was now hooked, and moved on from the Welson to a Viscount C120 organ
This organ was very advanced for its time, with a built-in Leslie unit and a staggering 12 voices for the upper manual. Plus 3 sustain draw bars and a simple rhythm unit where all the patterns sounded the same!
Having decided to cease my lessons at age 13, but not wanting to stop playing the organ, I took up music as an option at school and became heavily involved with advancing my organ playing with the help of my music teacher. He was a very accomplished organist in his own right, and his name . . . . . Mike Beecher.
Mike sadly passed away in 2017, But he provided the inspiration and drive that i needed to continue with playing the organ, whilst also encouraging me to get involved with his Youth Orchestra the “Mike Beecher Sound”.
There is much about him on the internet. A musical genius.
Next up was a Yamaha FS20 that I purchased when I started my first job. I have very fond memories of that organ. I still think it a shame that Yamaha withdrew from the European market as they were very well designed instruments. I kept that for several years but then purchased a Technics U60 through the local paper.
(the best sounding Technics organ ever).
I eventually part exchanged that for a Technics EA3 and then a GX7.
Quite by chance whilst taking a holiday in Great Yarmouth, I stumbled across Allen’s music. I part exchanged the GX7 for a Yamaha AR100, and from there to a Roland AT80, again through Allen’s.
I then tried my first Lowrey. It was a Sensation model, which I instantly fell in love with. I purchased it on the spot, and thought it was the best organ in the world. That was until I tried the Prestige model.
I changed to the Prestige and found it to be perfect for my needs. It was so adaptable. Since I play most styles of music , including theatre, ballads, jazz, contemporary and 60”s stuff, the Prestige was able to provide all the appropriate voices I needed. I kept the Prestige for over 5 years.
I did not believe anything could surpass the Prestige until I discovered the Marquee at one of the Allen’s Musical Extravaganza events. I still have the Marquee, a very rare black model.
I have been attending the Allen’s events for several years, as I find it an ideal place to meet up with fellow enthusiasts. It’s also a great weekend to hear some great music.
Although attending as a guest, I have always considered myself approachable, and willing to assist any hobbyists with their questions with regard to Lowrey, on a voluntary basis.
Over the years I have gained a reputation, good or bad, for always playing “something unusual” at the Friends play for Friends/ you’re the star section of the Musical Extravaganza. In fact it was Jim Vogelman who described my style as very “edgy”.
Maybe it’s best to describe me using the words of Trevor Flunder.
“Martyn is an organ player, who plays the organ, doesn’t want it to sound like an organ, and doesn’t play organ music on it”
Last year at the event, Allen’s invited me to provide a walk-in clinic event, where fellow players could sit with me to ask questions about their instruments, playing styles, registrations, or indeed anything Lowrey. I spent time with 18 guests during the course of the weekend.
I am uncertain if Allen’s want me to repeat the idea this year (2018). I actually derive much enjoyment from the interaction with other players, but When I mentioned it to Tom Horton this year, who organises the event, he said he would bear the idea in mind. I suspect that the practise rooms are being earmarked for other activities this year.
As mentioned, I play many different styles of music on the organ, and currently working on something for the “you’re the star” event this year 2018. I am sure it will raise a few eyebrows!
